African American Baby Boomers: Changing the Paradigms on Aging

- AARP New York President Focuses on Empowering

African American Boomers to Continue Legacy of Social Change -

NEW YORK, Feb. 27 /PRNewswire/ -- As Americans reflect and evaluate
the progress of African Americans during Black History Month, AARP New
York's newly appointed state president, Madeleine Moore, is examining
how African American baby boomers are building legacies of leadership
through volunteerism. She is focusing on the growing number of
seasoned power brokers who are dedicated to improving the quality of
life for the 7.5 million African Americans age 50 and over.

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In this lead volunteer position, Moore will chair the organization's
volunteer Executive Council which helps set AARP's state agenda and
programs for its 2.6 million members.

"Baby boomers emerged from an era defined by the civil rights
movement. Now, the defining struggle of their generation is
challenging the old stereotypes and notions about aging and
retirement," says Moore. "As state president, I will be looking at how
AARP can empower our diverse 50 and over population as they age."

AARP research found that baby boomers of all ethnicities view
themselves quite differently from their parents' generation. Boomers
share more similarities with Gen. X attitudes and perceptions about
themselves and society than they do with their elders.

"African American boomers are building on the gains made through
generations of struggle in areas like education, employment and
financial empowerment. Today, that struggle has forged a new and
multi-faceted vision for older African Americans," says Moore.

On average, 3.7 million African American households have annual
incomes of $50,000 or more and 1.4 million African American households
have annual incomes topping $75,000.

The economic status of African Americans has improved at an above
average rate over the past two decades. The general population per
capita income increased 43% between 1980 and 2000, while African
American per capita income grew 59%. African Americans have
significant buying power, which is estimated at nearly $800 billion.

Growing incomes has also meant increased charitable giving and
philanthropic initiatives. A recent AARP survey looking at community
service and charitable giving practices of the 45+ population found
that 88% of African Americans regularly made charitable donations. The
same survey found that African Americans are among the most active
volunteers in our society.

"AARP New York has a vibrant and active cadre of African American
volunteers who dedicate time to engage in legislative advocacy on
issues like affordable prescription drugs or community service
initiatives like the AARP Tax-Aide and Driver Safety programs," says
Moore.

African Americans are active in AARP Chapters across the state. One of
the state's largest and most active chapters is the predominantly
African American "Peachtree Chapter" in the Bronx, which has over 400
members.

"Community service is a way in which baby boomers can forge their
living legacy," says Moore. "Many of us are transitioning to a time in
our lives where we are looking to reconnect with the ideals of our
youth and once again bring about positive social change."

"To be sure, challenges still remain in bringing the economic
indicators of African Americans in line with those of the general
population," Moore acknowledges. "However this generation is poised to
make continual upward strides. Boomers are widening the economic and
civic base on which the next generation of African Americans will
build legacies of leadership."

Moore, an active marketing/communications specialist and community
leader, will hold the position of state president for two years and
will be eligible for reappointment for two additional terms.

Moore is presently chairman of Public New York and the founder of
Moore Creative, marketing firms which have launched identity campaigns
for several major New York Hospitals and provide concepts and training
tools to such organizations as The Association of Junior Leagues
International and the National Urban League. Recently, her national ad
campaign for Anheuser Busch targeting at-risk African American men for
Prostate Cancer prevention has launched a coast-to-coast screening and
community-based outreach program.

Moore has developed numerous scholarships, funds and role model
initiatives for inner-city young adults and was recently honored by
the New York City Mission Society, which works to increase the
self-sufficiency of children and families in Harlem, the south Bronx
and other communities of long-standing need. She is a founder of the
21st Century Women's Leadership Center, a ten-year-old multicultural
collaboration of the New York Coalition of One Hundred Black Women;
One Hundred Hispanic Women; and Asian Women in Business. She is also
president emeritus of the New York Coalition of One Hundred Black
Women and a Trustee of the Central Park Conservancy

Moore holds an undergraduate degree from New York University, a
master's degree from Columbia University, and an honorary doctorate
from CUNY. She resides in Brooklyn Heights, New York.

AARP has over 2.6 million members in New York State. AARP is a
nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization dedicated to making
life better for people 50 and over. We provide information and
resources; engage in legislative, regulatory and legal advocacy;
assist members in serving their communities; and offer a wide range of
unique benefits, special products, and services for our members.

Contact: Chaunda Ball

212-407-3732 SOURCE AARP